Monday Feb 1. [1 February 1909] Went shopping in the morning and
packed. Mr Heard lunched. He has just come from Diarbekr
[Diyarbakir (Amida)] and is very gloomy about things there. Worse
than the old rÈgime he says. The local committee is composed of
violent reactionaries, all scamps. The condition of the Armenians in
the country districts is awful. An organised attempt has been made to
exterminate them and in some places it has pretty well succeeded.
Drove with Mrs C. [Cumberbatch] and Nancy to a garden on the
Beyrout [Beyrouth (Beirut)] river. Mr Heard dined. We had much talk
of antiquities, particularly those on the Sajur and looked at Mr C's
coins. Very pleasant. [Written at top of page:] Danger of mob rule.
So far has worked for good in Beyrout. Mob has insisted on
punishment of criminals, murderers hanged etc.)